HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-08 Clerical Committee Meeting MinutesCLERICAL COMMITTEE
MEETING
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Heinze called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ALDERMEN IN ATTENDANCE: Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, David
Nidiffer, Kevin Meade, Jason Strandberg, Sonya Lewis. Absent -Aldermen
Craig West, and Eric Schenck.
Others present -Mayor Rodney W. Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City
Treasurer Kathy Luker, Deputy Clerk Diana Tucker, City Attorney Chrissie
Peterson, Police Chief Jeff Fritz, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works
Director Cliff O'Brien, Zoning Officer and engineer Keith Plavec from
Maurer-Stutz Inc., Street Supt. George Spahn, System Maintenance Supt.
Bill Terry, Joe Ginger Video Services. In the audience was SRPED
Economic Director Mark & Brenda Rothert, Mr. Roberts from Leander
Construction, news media of Daily Ledger John Froehling, WBYS Tracie
Ghotti, Mark Bixler.
Alderman Meade relinquish his Finance meeting that was first to
Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel so Deputy Clerk Diana Tucker would
not have to stay for the whole meeting.
Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel
Alderman Larry Sarff-Chairman
ADP Software for Human Resource Position - $3,099.60
Discussion: Alderman Larry Sarff mentioned that Diana Tucker has done
a great job on researching not only the HR position but also the software.
Diana started by stating that we currently use ADP for our payroll
processing. ADP also offers a software program for HR. This program
would bring different duties under one umbrella Diana stated the various
features the program offers such as employee self service tools, a web base
portal for better communication. And a place to update policies, contracts,
etc. Another feature of the program is licenses and certification tracking.
The program would track a wellness program for each employee. The
program tracking has a legal library and has access to HR professionals. The
program offers employee evaluations tracking for individuals to review prior
evaluation comments. Diana explained the importance of streamlining the
duties and how the program accomplish this task. Diana recommends to the
council the ADP software, and bring this in with the HR position. The cost
of the program is $3,099.60. Diana negotiated a 10% discount with ADP if
approved by next Tuesday's meeting.
Alderman Strandberg asked if there is a training program? Diana explained
that ADP offers training through either web base seminars or class room
training. The web base training is free of charge.
Alderman Berardi asked who is going to be in this position?
Alderman Sarff stated he supports the position of HR and this package deal.
He believes we need to move forward with the position and this will be a
budget item.
Alderman Berardi asked if Diana is appointed, and if so by who? Alderman
Sarff said she is appointed by the mayor. Alderman Sarff said this was
changed several years ago by the council.
Alderman Berardi asked what happens when the position becomes a 8 hour a
day position? Alderman Sarff stated that we can not make any changes
during an elected officials term, but they are looking at some changes.
Alderman Sarff asked Diana if she visited with other dept heads on the
software? Diana said yes, and department heads has given positive feed
back on the features that would be available.
Alderman Sarff ask City Attorney Peterson if she has looked at the
program? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson stated she visited with Diana.
Alderman Sarff asked if she could see any benefits with the program?
Chrissie stated that EEO reporting could be an improvement with this
program.
Alderman Sarff stated the council has a job description for the HR position
and it is to be determined who will fill the position, but the city needs the
software that offers the features that we need. He said Diana has done a good
job in researching the software and he recommends be passed to council for
approval.
MOTION: by Alderman Meade/Nidffer, to approve the purchase of the
software and refer to council for their consideration. Discussion.
Alderman Berardi asked when Mayor Heinze leaves, can the new mayor
appoint a HR position, or is the legality under the guidelines of the previous
mayor? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson stated that some of it depends on
what the pro-tem does. If the mayor pro-tem resigns their position of
alderman they have full appointment voting powers just like the mayor. If
they do not resign their position as alderman they only continue to vote as
Alderman. And Chrissie said she does not believe they have appointment
powers that the mayor does. Chrissie stated the mayor's resignation is in
affect when he submits a written resignation to the clerk and the clerk sends
to council. At that point the council will vote to appoint a mayor pro-tem. If
the council members decline the position then you would have to search for
a person in the community who would be willing to serve as mayor.
Alderman Sarff stated that this position would not be any different than a
city attorney, or any other appointed position.
Alderman Berardi recommends that if we purchase the software and a
decision is to be made on the HR position by the next appointment time.
Alder Berardi stated, that the program is definitely what everyone wants.
Alderman Nidiffer stated he wants to applaud Diana for her efforts and
initiative. He added Diana has brought us something pretty valuable. He
agreed with Alderman Berardi and Sarff. He believes this is something we
are behind on and we need to get up to speed. Alderman Nidiffer stated this
is something he would definitely support. As far as the other position he is
not sure this needs to be tied to a city administrator. He also wanted to note
that everything we have ask Diana to do she has brought back some quality
information.
City Treasurer Kathy Luker stated we have been using this program since
2006 and are very happy with it. Alderman Sarff asked if we have this
amount in the budget? Kathy stated yes we do, we have money in the
budget this year.
Wellness Program Living Well
Alderman Sarff explained the Wellness Program was originally in the police
contract to be monitored by an outside company. Since then the outside
company has denied their involvement in the program for the police
department. Alderman Sarff explained that Diana has since researched the
program and has developed a program that has been reviewed by City
Attorney Chrissie Peterson.
Information: Diana explained she reviewed the original program in the
police contract and wanted to expand upon the original program to make it
more of a well established health Wellness Program This is to improve the
employees health, to have healthy employees and to reduce health care cost.
Diana explained she visited with a company in Peoria that offers a Wellness
Program. And felt we could develop a program inside the city without
having to pay an outside company to facilitate the program. Diana stated
that in the program she would like to adopt the national health months, to
educate employees on various health issues. Diana explained she would like
to have a kick off for the program. She also contacted our health insurance
provider and was informed we would be receiving $1000 towards a
Wellness Program. Diana would also like to offer on site health screening.
Diana visited with the YMCA on reduction rates, and to make payroll
deductions available to employees. Diana stated the first step is to have a
wellness coordinator, than to establish a wellness team -one employee from
each department. The ADP software offers a tracking feature for the
program. Diana stated she would like to make available to all city
employees.
Questions & Statements: Alderman Sarff asked Diana if she was
volunteering to be the Wellness Coordinator? Diana explained that she
would, and this would then tie into the HR position.
Alderman Sarff explained that this was originally going to be coordinated
outside, then the business has informed us that they are no longer offering
this program to us and that it needs a coordinator some how, and that we are
looking at in-house.
Diana stated that she has talked with the policeman union representatives
and they support this program.
Alderman Sarff mentioned that with the point system, employees could
earn up to $200 paid at the end of each year to help with rising insurance
premiums.
Alderman Sarff explained that this program is a plus and he does not see a
downside to it.
MOTION: by Aldermen Meade/Nidiffer, to accept the Wellness Program
and to administer in-house, and refer to council for their consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
The Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel Committee adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Finance
Alderman Kevin Meade-Chairman
Bills.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Meade, approve the bills as presented, and
refer to council for their consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Treasurer's Report.
City Treasurer Kathy Luker stated that funds from the State of Illinois
having to do with vendor funds will be delayed due to cash flow. This has
not affected our cash flow at this time as she has borrowed from the Prime
Account.
Alderman Berardi ask what amount is in the sinking fund (savings account
to pay off the IH loan)? Kathy answered, $200,000 towards the $800,000
payment. Alderman Berardi ask Kathy what here projections will be the
next three years since the state is in big trouble over funds? Kathy
answered they are suppose to pay sales tax, but she has not heard anything
on them having any issues with cash flow.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, to accept the Treasurer's Report
and refer to council for their consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Budget Report.
City Treasurer Kathy Luker said the department heads are still under budget.
She thanked the department heads for their diligence in keeping in line on
their budgets, and thanked the council members for their support.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, to approve of the Budget Report
and refer to council for their consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
WTP Lime Sludge Removal by City Crews.
Public Works Director Cliff O'Brien said this is work for the Clearwell
Project. We will be renting an excavator and use a local trucking firm of
Davis Trucking for landfill fees. This will be paid from the Bonding
monies.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, refer to council for their
consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Kilroy Lift Station Liquidated Damages & final completion/Leander
Construction, Payment #14 & final amount of $61,465.43.
Discussion: Keith Plavec of Maurer Stutz Inc. mentioned that Leander
Construction has the plant up and running and has since July. Due to faulty
alarms problems have existed for sometime. Now there are two faulty
alarms that will be addressed by Maurer Stutz Inc. Leander Construction
cannot fixed these alarms.
Alderman Meade ask the council if the city should ask for cost during the
time from July to present day, as the contract called for the project to be
completed in July 2007?
Alderman Strandberg said he pretty much agrees with Alderman Meade, but
lets make this fair. He also remarked he does not like still talking about it!
Keith Plavec offered to retrieve the cost by the City during this 7 months
period of time.
Alderman Berardi asked for council to waive those liquidated damages.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, to recommend to council of what
amount the city has invested, and for Cliff O'Brien and Keith Plavec
investigating what those fees might be.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Assistance to the Firefighter Grant.
The Canton Fire Department has received notification that they are a
recipient of the 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. Fire Chief John Stanko applied for this
grant prior to his retirement.
The Grant is for an additional diesel emission exhaust drop, washer/extractor
to clean fire gear and scene safety equipment which includes vests and
traffic cones. The Grant total is $12,935. Federal Share of the Grant is
$12,289 and the City's 5% share is $646.00.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, to approve the purchase of the grant
items, and refer to council .for their consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Alderman Meade shared that the 336 Coalition annual membership for the
City is now due in the amount of $500.00. Can't discuss tonight as not on
the agenda. Will do at the council meeting next week.
The Finance Committee adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Legal & Ordinance
Alderman Craig West-Chairman
Alderman West was absent, Alderman Meade took over the committee for
him.
Ordinance Deleting Section 8-15-2 (Obstructing Streets) of Chapter 15
(Railroads)
Information: The ordinance states -the Legal & Ordinance Committee has
taken notice that on January 25, 2008, the Second District Appellate Court
determined that municipal ordinances, which prohibit the blocking of
roadways by trains for specified periods of time, is preempted by the Federal
Railroad Safety Act On the same date, the Fifth District Appellate Court
also determined that the Illinois Blocked Crossing Law based on Section 18c
is preempted by the Federal Railroad Safety Act.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, refer to council for their
consideration. Discussion. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned that
city crossings can not be blocked more than 10 minutes. We need to clean
up our ordinances.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Resolution Approving Pre-Annexation Agreement between the City and
Maxhn and Carol McCaw
Information: There is existing water main located adjacent and contiguous
to the real estate owned by Landowners. The City has adopted a policy of
not extending city services such as water to real estate located outside
municipal limits of the City of Canton. Landowners are not yet contiguous
to the City of Canton. The City hereby agrees to allow Landowners to tap
said water main and the City further agrees to furnish water. The
Landowners agree to pay to the City of Canton double the amount of
prevailing rate inside the City of Canton for water used and consumed by
using the standard charge then prevailing for water in the City of Canton,
Illinois.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, refer to council for their
consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Zink Farm Lease Agreement w/Michael Krulac for agricultural
purposes only.
Information: The City of Canton owns the Zink Farm ground by the
Canton Lake Area. The term of the lease shall be from the First day of
March, 2008 to the 31st day of December, 2008. The lease may be
terminated, at any time, by either party, by serving a written notice at least
four months prior to the effective termination date.
Amount of rent, Lessee agrees to pay Lessor the sum of fifteen thousand one
hundred fifty-eight dollars. This represents 71.5 acres of tillable cropland at
$212.00 per acre.
Payment will be as follows: The first payment of $7,579.00 is due on or
before March 15, 2008. The second payment of $7,579.00 is due on or
before November 30, 2008. Late payments are subject to a 9.0% annual
charge on the unpaid balance.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, refer to council for their
consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Consideration of No Smoking on city property.
The City already has a "no smoking" policy in affect for city vehicles, and
the city owned buildings.
Ordinance Creating Chapter 4 (Demolition) of Title 4 (Buildings)
City Attorney Chrissie Peterson said it was brought to her attention in
regards to the demolition for Feaster's
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, refer to council for their
consideration.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Nazarene Church Alley Vacation
Keith Plavec said the news is that AT&T told the church they are willing to
vacate the alley. AT&T needs an easement for their alignment. And, they
are willing to allow the church to build their new addition, and want to work
with the church.
MOTION: by Aldermen Sarff/Nidiffer, refer to the Street & Garbage
Committee.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
The Legal & Ordinance Committee adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Community & Industrial Development
Alderman David Nidiffer-Chairman
Update SRPED from Mark Rothert Economic Development Director
Information: Mark Rothert mentioned that Kevin Williams of Big Racks
has to get his ideas together for his final development Mark said he will
forward them to City Attorney Chrissie Peterson.
Information: The Business Surveys are in, we sent out 71 and 31 came
back completed. One of the staff members went out and met with the
various businesses. Some ideas they had was working with the city.
Information: Mark said he had alked with Wal Mart representatives, they
have scaled back their super center.. There is still hope for Canton.
Partnership dinner will be held April 25th, and more information to come
later.
Discussion of Streetscaping Plan Proposals
Mark Rothert said, proposals were sent by Vandewalle and Associates and
Teska and Associates for planning services to create a downtown streetscape
and facade enhancement plan. The SRPED received a local planning
assistance grant from DCEO. The cost for this plan will be paid from the
DCEO planning grant as well as from funds approved by the City of Canton
at its 9/18/07 city council meeting.
Vandewalle & Associates proposal -
Work Element One: Downtown Streetscape and Facade Improvements.
Task 1.1 -Site visit and Community Meeting, to gather data on existing
conditions and to facilitate a community meeting.
• The cost of this task is proposed to be funded under a
separate contract with the City of Canton for site planning
assistance at the Main/Locust Street site; cost for this task
are not included.
Task 1.2 -Draft Downtown Streetscape and Facade Improvement Plan:
• One existing conditions graphic
• One plan-view graphic illustrating streetscape design and
location of streetscape elements.
• Two street cross-section graphics illustrating different
streetscape themes/elements
• One concept illustration of a bloc of Downtown to illustrate
recommended streetscape and facade improvement
recommendations.
Option One: In Option One -
• Vandewalle & Associates will prepare the Plan graphics and
the Plan narrative, including the elements identified in A,
and B.
• Total cost $14,800.00.
Option Two: In Option Two -
• Vandewalle & Associates will prepare the Plan graphics and
SRPED will prepare the Plan narrative.
• Total cost $12,800.00.
Task 1.3 -
• Vandewalle & Associates will present the draft streetscape
and Facade Improvements Plan to the same audience that
attended the community meeting proposed in Task 1.1 in
order to gather input for the final Plan.
• Total cost $3,700.00.
Task 1.4 -
• Vandewalle & Associates will finalize and incorporate one
set of edits to the Plan graphics based on input provided by
the community and Client.
• Total cost $6,500.00
Task 1.5 -
• At one City Council meeting, Vandewalle & Associates will
present the final Downtown Streetscape and Facade
Improvements Plan to the City Council for adoption.
• Total cost $0.00.
Total Budget for Work Element One with Option One from Task 1.2;
$25,000.
Total Budget for Work Element One with Option Two from Task 1.2;
$23,000.00.
Please note: The overall Budget for the preparation of the Downtown
Streetscape an Facade Improvements Plan will be increased by $7,500
should the City not opt to hire Vandewalle & Associates to assist with site
planning at the Main/Locust Street site.
Work Element Two: ITEP Grant Application Preparation Assistance.
Task 2.1 -Supporting Graphics:
• Vandewalle & Associates will prepare/assemble graphics in
support of an ITEP grant application, including: a regional
context map, streetscape design plan graphics, and
application cover, and existing conditions site photographs.
• Total Budget: $500.00.
Task 2.2 -Project Budget:
• Prepare aline-item project budget for the ITEP grant and
coordinate with Maurer & Stutz on budget preparation.
• Total Budget: $700.00
Task 2.3 -Application Narrative Review:
• Will review and suggests edits to the application narrative
prepared by SRPED to ensure that the project description
and safety impacts description align with the Streetscape and
Facade Improvements Plan and Redevelopment Plan for
Central Canton.
• Total Budget: $500.00.
Total Budget for Work Element Two: $1,700.00
Total Budget for Work Elements One and Two: $24,700 - $26,700
TESKA Proposal -
Downtown Streetscape Projects -
1. Downtown Streetscape Master Plan for properties within the
public right-of--way (ROW)
a. Bounded by Locust Street, East Pine Street, Avenue A.
and First Avenue.
b. Publicly owned properties within the ROW.
2. Downtown Architectural and Streetscape Design Guidelines for
private properties which abut the public right-of--way.
a. Bounded by Locust Street, East Pine street, Avenue A, and
First Avenue
b. Privately owned properties which abut the public right-of-
way.
3. Elm Street Corridor Streetscape Master Plan.
a. Bounded by Avenue A and Fifth Avenue
b. Publicly owned properties within the right-of--way.
These projects may be considered as one contract, or as three separate
assignments, as City needs and budgets allow.
The following draft scope considers all three design projects under one
planning process.
Phase 2- Preliminary Streetscape Master Plan
The purpose of Phase 2 tasks is to respond to Phase 1 goals and
objective with a Preliminary Streetscape Master Plan. This plan will
address the types and locations of streetscapes amenities and their
associated installed costs.
Task 1.1 Base map information shall be based on the 2002 Sidwell maps
Task 1.2 Project Initiation
^ Meet with Committee
^ Lead walkabout tour with Committee to discuss
streetscape issues and to gather input to carry forward
into Phase 2.
Task 1.3 Create overall Streetscape Theme Diagram which identifies
goals and objectives of the Streetscape Master Plan to carry
forward into Phase 2.
Phase 2
The purpose of Phase 2 is to respond to Phase 1 goals and objectives
with a Preliminary Streetscape Master Plan. This plan will address the
types and locations of streetscape amenities and their associated
installed costs.
Task 2.1 Prepare Preliminary Streetscape Plan
Graphic presentations will include plans, sections, and
sketches as appropriate to communicate the overall design
intent.
MULTI-MODAL SUPPORT STRATEGY
^ Traffic calming features
^ Enhanced and /or additional curb bump outs
^ Enhanced pedestrian crosswalks at intersections and
potential mid block crossings with an emphasis on
improved connectivity between neighborhoods and
activity centers such as Jones Park..
SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
^ Enhanced drainage systems to reduce the speed of
surface runoff
^ Incorporation of permeable pavements
^ Integration of native salt tolerant tree, shrub, grass and
groundcover plantings
GATEWAY & ENTRY TREATMENTS
^ Conceptual Signage Family, including gateway,
interpretive, and wayfinding signs.
^ Public Art and Sculpture Opportunities
^ Public Seating Plaza Opportunities
^ Intersection Treatments such as specialty paving and
enhanced pedestrian crossings.
PAVEMENT SYSTEMS
^ Enhanced pedestrian crosswalks
^ Specialty pedestrian paving area, including
intersection and/or mid block crossings and accent
corner areas
^ Continuous sidewalk paving along the public way
with emphasis on connectivity to surrounding
neighborhood sidewalks and activity centers, such as
Jones Park.
AMENITIES & PLANTINGS
^ Streetscape Amenities
o Decorative lighting
o Public art and sculpture opportunities
o Specialty Paving
o Site furnishings, such as benches and litter
receptacles
o Ornamental fencing
o Planters
^ Landscape Plantings
o Parkway plantings
o Seasonal plantings
o Implementation/Maintenance plan
PRIVATE PROPERTY DESIGN GUIDELINES
^ Front facade enhancements which abut
roadway
^ Rear facade enhancements which abut
alleyway
^ Parking area enhancements
^ Landscape enhancements
^ Signage
^ Lighting
Task 2.2 Prepare Preliminary Implementation Plan
^ Phased Plan
^ Construction Cost Estimate
^ Potential Funding Sources
Task 2.3 Meet/Present to Committee
Task 2.4 Meet/Present to IDOT
Task 2.5 Make Plan Revisions
the public
the public
Phase 3-Final Streetscape Master Plan
The purpose of Phase 3 tasks is to make refinements towards a Final
Streetscape Master Plan. This plan will address the types and locations of
streetscapes amenities and their associated installed costs.
Task 3.1 Prepare Final Streetscape Plan
Make refinements to preliminary streetscape plan based on
input gathered from Committee.
Task 3.2 Prepare Final Implementation Plan
• Phased Plan
• Construction Plan
• Construction Cost Estimate
• Potential Funding Sources
Task 3.3 Meet/Present to Committee
Task 3.4 Make Plan Revisions
Phase 4 -Refinement/Adoption
Task 4.1 Prepare Draft Final Report Document
Task 4.2 Submit to Committee
Make revisions as necessary
Task 4.3 Present to City Council
Task 4.4 Submit Final Report Document
One hard copy and one digital file
Phase 5 -Additional Services Available Separately Full Construction
Documentation
Full construction documentation would include the following components:
^ Detailed survey of the entire study area
^ Planimetric drawings
^ Typical sections
^ Construction details
^ Products and materials specifications
^ Plant lists
^ Technical specifications
DESIGN FEES
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN $12,000
DOWNTOWN ARCHITECTURAL &STREETSCAPE $ 9,000
DESIGN GUIDELINES
ELM STREET CORRIDOR STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN $ 8,640
TOTAL DESIGN $29,640
Discussion: Mark said he had applied fora $50,000 planning assistance
grant from IDOT Enhancement Plan.
Keith Plavec of Maurer Stutz Inc. said the Enhancement Grants are very
competitive, and they only come up every 4 to 5 years. And they are very
political.
Mark Rothert commented they only approve several recipients.
Mark did add the City has already approved $37,000 of TIF funds.
The Alderman told Mark this will be discussed at the next council meeting.
Mark said, which proposal is best for Canton?
Mark said that TESKA was more detail and cost less.
Vandewalle & Associates have tied there proposal to another plan. And they
have increased cost by $7,500.00
Discussion of Main & Locust Property
From Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development
INFORMATION FROM MARK ROTHERT ECONOMIC
DIRECTOR OF SRPED.
o Mark Rothert reported there was some discussion after the last
Brownfield Redevelopment Advisory Committee meeting about
creating a plan for the corner of Main and Locust. However, the
recently adopted comprehensive plan along with Vandewalle and
Associates' "Redevelopment Plan for Central Canton," can be utilized
as planning guides for this site location.
o A gateway entrance to the downtown contains landscaping, flags, and
historic street lighting. This site would conceivably only take up a
small corner of city's parking lot leaving the rest of the lot for private
commercial development.
o Teska and Associates' rendition in the comprehensive plan offers
something similar by retaining a corner of the city's parking lot for a
gateway entrance piece. One could also imaging that this site might
also have a landmark, statue, plaque or informational kiosk as well.
o Vanderwalle & Associates, has recently submitted a proposal to create
a new plan for the site location at Main and Locust. However, given
that the location has been given attention by the aforementioned
documents, it may be more cost effective to incorporate these designs
into an overall strategy to market the site to potential developers,
undertaken by the SRPED.
o As you may or may not be aware there are various components and
issues that need to be addressed to market and develop the site. They
include JC Penney's secondary parking lot agreement, multiple land
owners, and the city council's own preference in how it gets
developed. Here are our recommendations to address developing the
property:
1. Amend the Secondary Parking Lot Agreement with JC Penney to
allow the City full development control of its lot. JC Penney has
indicated that this will not be a problem and city attorney Peterson
and JC Penney attorneys are working on legal documents to release
the property from the agreement.
Timeframe: completed by the end of February
2. Undertake a public input process to help the city council determine
the highest and best use. The SRPED will host one open house forum
for local citizens, interested developers and downtown business
owners/residents to brainstorm and provide input about how or what
the city should encourage to develop on its property at Main and
Locust Street. The free market will ultimately drive interested parties
to develop at the site but learning the thoughts of other downtown
business and community residents will help to shape the public
opinion.
Timeframe: completed by the end of February
3. Ask Environmental Operations Inc. (EOI) or another firm to start the
process for phase 1 environmental assessment as the site that was
once a gas station.
Timeframe: completed by end of March
4. Develop a request for proposals (RFP) and send to interested parties
and area developers. The RFP would profile the site location,
development opportunities with adjacent properties also for sale,
traffic flow, environmental conditions, city design requirements, and
public opinion on development for the area.
Timeframe: completed by the end of March
5. Receive proposals and work with selected developer through city's
development process.
Decision: Aldermen Nidiffer said this once was a gas station. We could do
the work in-house. Ask the Partnership to outline what needs done!
Discussion of one Stop Shop/Streamlined Development Process
Information: Keith Plavec of Maurer Stutz Inc. has listed on the city's web
site all of the forms necessary for Rezoning, Annexation, Home
Occupations, etc. Developers want a one stop shop to receive all their
answers. This makes it more friendly user
Comprehensive Plan Implementation
Information & Suggestion: Mark Rothert, Economic Director of SRPED
remarked that on page 105 of the Comprehensive Plan are action steps to
help implement the plan. The City should designate some people to form a
committee to over see this.
Industrial Park Signage. (FYI)
Information: Mark Rothert the Executive Director of SRPED presented
the following-
At ameeting held on January 9th of Industrial Park business/land owners, the
group agreed upon a design that would enhance the entrance to Enterprise
Drive.
o Details of the sign include:
o Dimensions
Height (to the apex of the top of sign): 6 feet
Width: 12 feet between columns
o Columns - 12 inch by 12 inch
o Current sign is 10.5 feet wide and 6 feet high
o Sign Material
o The sign will be made out of polystyrene, a high density material that
stands up to the elements, deterioration, fading, warping, and
cracking. It is 100% waterproof, unaffected by temperature and will
not rot or decompose.
o Lighting
The sign will be lighted at night for greater visibility. Electricity is
already run to the existing sign.
o Business Listing
At the bottom of the sign where the word "sign" is repeated, there will
be logos created and installed for the businesses that reside in the
industrial park. These signs will be easily removable and replaceable
should new business come to the park or turnover is experienced.
o Cost
The cost for construction, installation, landscaping, and lighting of
this sign will be $11,100. The City Council at its 8/21/07 meeting
approved expending funds for new signage at the Industrial Park.
o Sign Fabricator
BT Interiors is a company that in the past year recently relocated their
business to the Industrial Park that specializes in sign making and has
submitted an offer to make the sign for the above listed cost.
o Comment: Alderman Sarff commented that he was not impressed
with what he has seen.
o Mark said he would bring to the next council meeting.
o Public Works Director Cliff O'Brien mentioned that the city works
with Ricky Signs and does a really nice job for the city.
The Community & Industrial Development Committee adjourned at 8:55
p.m.
Recording Secretary,
Nancy Whites, City Clerk